FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., July 13, 2011–The 2011 Hyundai Sonata was named Best-in-Segment (tied with the VW Jetta), topping the mid-size car category in Strategic Vision’s 2011 Total Quality Index® (TQI). The Total Quality Index measures total vehicle satisfaction among new car owners, reflecting not only the quality of the vehicle, but the emotional connection it makes with buyers. The Hyundai Sonata beat out competitors such as the Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Mazda6, Nissan Altima, and Toyota Camry to tie for the top spot in the mid-size category.

“Customers have explicitly stated that they love their Sonatas; from the performance-styled exterior to the comfortable, thoughtfully designed interior,” said Alexander Edwards, President, Strategic Vision. “Sonata's innovations and thoughtfulness help reinforce to their owners the total quality of all aspects of their vehicle.”

The Hyundai Sonata beat out competitors such as the Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Mazda6, Nissan Altima, and Toyota Camry to tie for the top spot in the mid-size category.

The strong showing in the TQI extends Sonata’s winning streak in Strategic Vision studies. Hyundai’s Sonata also topped this year’s Strategic Vision Total Value Index, tallying the highest Total Value score in the 14-year history of the study, topping all competitors past and present, including those in luxury segments. These powerful results resulted in the creation of an all-new award, the first-ever “Special Total Value Award” recognizing Sonata’s truly superior value.

“The Strategic Vision Total Quality Index recognizes Sonata’s tremendous quality and impressive consumer appeal,” said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Offering a combination of exciting design, outstanding residual value, and best-in-class 35 mpg standard fuel economy, the Sonata continues to be a top contender in the competitive mid-size category and we are pleased by its outstanding market reception this year.”

The Total Quality Index® asks buyers to rate all aspects of the ownership experience from buying and owning to performance and driving. Results were calculated from 37,069 buyers who bought 2011 models in September to December of 2010. Strategic Vision has presented Total Quality Awards® annually since 1995.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 800 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile power train warranty, 5-years of complimentary Roadside Assistance and the Hyundai Trade-in Value Guarantee.